Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Anyone who enjoys travel, exploration and communication will enjoy this contemporary
postal museum, which offers a fascinating overview of the history of the French postal ser-
vice, with exhibits spanning several floors. Imaginative temporary exhibitions might be any-
thing from artist-designed letter boxes to wartime postal services or postcards. The perman-
ent collection was closed for renovation at the time of writing; contact the museum for up-
dates.
Don't miss the shop selling every imaginable French stamp, from Harry Potter designs to
romantic red heart-shaped stamps, as well as stamps from overseas French territories includ-
ing New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
MUSEUM
MUSÉE PASTEUR
€7/3; 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Mon-Fri Sep-Jul; Pasteur)
Tours of the apartment where the famous chemist and bacteriologist spent the last seven
years of his life (1888-95) take you through Pasteur's private rooms, with odds and ends in-
cluding gifts presented to him by heads of state and drawings he did as a young man.
You'll need to show a passport or ID card to gain entrance. Tours lasting 45 minutes to
one hour are in French; printed English guides are available.
After Pasteur's death, the French government wanted to entomb his remains in the
Panthéon, but his family, acting in accordance with his wishes, obtained permission to have
him buried at his institute. The great savant lies in the basement crypt.
PARK
PARC ANDRÉ-CITROËN
8am-9.30pm May-Aug, shorter hrs rest of yr;
Balard)
In 1915 automotive entrepreneur André Citroën built a vast car manufacturing plant here in
the 15e. After it closed in the 1970s, the vacated site was eventually turned into this
forward-looking 14-hectare urban park. Its central lawn is flanked by greenhouses, dancing
fountains, an elevated reflecting pool, and smaller gardens themed around movement and
the (six) senses. Opening hours vary greatly depending on the season - check signs posted
at the entrances.
SCENIC BALLOON
LE BALLON AIR DE PARIS
